As the mother of three teen boys, the lives of young men are both intimately familiar and stubbornly mysterious to me. To solve the lingering enigmas, I’ve learned to make hearty meals, ask good questions without pestering, and capitalize on the moments when they seem inclined to talk (generally after a combination of food and questions). 

Recently, I asked them about the well-documented demographic shift of young men flocking to church. Did they see this trend reflected in their classmates? Yes, they said. For sure. They reported that their friends were suddenly getting serious about everything: school work, lifting weights, eating right, and spiritual disciplines—including church. They said it’s not unusual anymore to have a “non-awkward” conversation about spiritual things at the lunch table. They said their peers are regularly holding each other accountable: Bro, you work out and read your Bible yesterday?

In his recent article about religious trends among young men, Trevin Wax notes that this kind of spirituality is attractive: “Many young men seek structure, discipline, and rigor in their faith. Gen Z wants a serious faith.” Thankfully, gospel-centered churches are a good place for them to find it. “Evangelicals,” Trevin writes, “have a rich tradition of spiritual practices that can meet this need without slipping into a gospel-less legalism or a ‘journey of self-improvement’ you can find on offer scrolling through Instagram reels. We need to recapture the spiritual practices and postures that bring about true life-change—where the Spirit does his work in and through us.” 

Young men like my sons and their friends—teens who can bench-press their weight and get a 5 on the AP US History exam—are seeking a spiritual life that demands something of them. The Reformed church—with its rigorous doctrine, expositional teaching, and experiential faith—is exactly what they need. It’s a gospel opportunity we can’t pass up. 

Bro, did you go to church?